From the 2006 News Archive

Dean Karen Rothenberg named to Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission

Karen Rothenberg, Dean and Marjorie Cook Professor of Law at the University of Maryland School of Law has been appointed to the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission. Established as an independent unit within The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), the Commission will establish criteria, standards and requirements to ensure that stem cell research financed by the newly established Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund complies with state law.

Dean Rothenberg is the founding Director of the Law & Health Care Program at the University of Maryland School of Law, and has written numerous articles on AIDS, women's health, genetics, the right to forego treatment, emergency care, and new reproductive technologies. She has co-edited a book titled A Woman and Prenatal Testing: Facing the Challenges of Genetic Technology, and completed a series of studies on legislative approaches to genetic information in both the health insurance and workplace contexts which were published in Science. She served as president of the American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics, as a member of the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Legal and Ethical Issues Relating to the Inclusion of Women in Clinical Studies, and on a number of National Institute of Health panels on prenatal care, the recruitment and retention of women in clinical studies, and the ethical, legal and social implications of genetics.

Of the 15 Commission members, four are appointed by the Governor, two each are appointed by the President of the State Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates, and the University System of Maryland and The Johns Hopkins University also have appointed three members each. The Attorney General or a designee holds an ex-officio position. "I am proud to support this stem cell research initiative, which can solidify Marylandís reputation as a national leader in medical research, attract and retain companies and researchers to Maryland, and offer hope to millions of Americans suffering from debilitating diseases," said Governor Ehrlich. "This is a groundbreaking initiative for Maryland, so I have made every effort to ensure that my appointees are recognized leaders within their fields and constituencies, and meet the highest ethical standards." Other appointees to the commission include Dr. Jack C. Chow, former assistant director-general of the World Health Organization who has extensive experience in global health policy and Joseph Capizzi, Professor at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.